Can You Imagine where Science Gone.
Scientist want to build a Spacecraft that Sails with the Energy Of Sun Light As Propellant.
This is not the Story The First Tiny Spacecraft discovered By Japan Aerospace ExPloration Agency its name, is IKAROS, that is guided By Solar Radiation in 2010.
Images Source:
https://www.thoughtco.com/space-exploration-with-light-sails-4026540
How Solar Sail Works:
Solar Sail Works On The Principle of Radiation Pressure Of Light From The Sun.
Don't Misunderstand by Harmful Solar Radiation, it is not like that . It is Like That Solar Radiation Pressure Push A Spacecraft in Space.
Suppose A Spacecraft is Place in distance Equal to the Distance of Earth From The Sun( 1AU), then the Spacecraft Recieve The Sunlight that have 1.4 KW Power, Now if You divided this 1.4KW/speed of light (186252 miles/hour, Then this constant Force Of Solar Radiation Pressure the Spacecrafts Solar Sail can Accelerate it Up To A Speed Of 4 to 5 times greater than a Typical Rocket Can Delivered .
Solar Sail material is very thin like a Piece of paper. Its must be alluminized for reflectivity and must be Survived in extreme condition in Space.
Mylar is Good Material For Solar Sail.Photons of Light bounce off the Sail and since Solar Radiation Pressure is Constant, that give the Sail a constant amount of push to move along.
Scientist are telling that Solar Sail Can achieve 1/10 Speed of light, given the right direction. This High Speed Make Easy To Go In Other Planet.
Solar Sail Spacecraft can be used to move Payloads From Earth Orbit To Other Planets, Such as Mission To Mars. By Solar Sail We Can Send Building Materials and Other Equipment to Other Plannet. This Is Very Use Ful When We Make Other Other Planet As Human Residence.